|
|
June 16, 2002
REVIEWS: Hinglaj in mythology
Coming from a literary family, Ishtiaque Ansari is a prolific writer of Sindhi language. An engineer by profession, Ansari’s work with the Water Wing of WAPDA takes him to places where his interest in the plains, deserts, mountains, lakes and canals is further stimulated.
Ishtiaque Ansari’s new book Dharti maata is the outcome of his journey to Hinglaj, popularly known among the Hindus as Hinglaj Maata and among the Muslims as Naani. Located in the mountains of Pubb in the Khirthar range 267 kilometres from Karachi.
In his two previous books, Sindh ja kot aen qila and Khaima Khaahorian Ansari emerged as a writer of travelogue, archaeology and history. His latest book has a similar strand running through it. It focuses on the writer’s sentimental journey to Hinglaj with a group of devotees, who go there every April to pay homage to the mother-goddess.
They seek to have their sins washed off by taking a dip in the natural spring there. The writer was so impressed by the unpolluted atmosphere and the faith of the devotees that he was inspired to write not only about his journey but also about the cult of the mother goddess in different civilizations. He collected material from the scriptures and mythologies of the subcontinent to enrich his book.
To many, the stories from the Vedas, Upanishad and Puranas may appear a confusing welter of myths, with thousands of gods and goddesses being worshipped in countless forms. This complexity stems from a love of story-telling as much as anything else. But as the great Indian philosopher, author and educationist, Dr S. Radhakrishnan (1888-1975), puts it, this is only the expression of Hindu faith with its unifying system of beliefs that have guided the lives of ordinary Hindu families for generations.
Hinglaj is named after Hinglaj Maata and is rich in mythological stories about her greatness. She is supposed to protect her devotees from evil. They come from all over the country and chant aarties and bhajjans in her praise and in recognition of her shakti (power). The common belief is that it was the great Sindhu that gave Sindh — and Hind — its name.
It is the oldest name in the subcontinent’s history. K. R. Malkani (b.1921), an Indian politician turned historian, in his The Sindh story (1984) says that when the Vedic seer invoked heaven and earth, he also invoked the Sindhu. When Shiva carried the immolated body of his divine consort Sati all over the land, her skull with its hingula fell here. Hence the name of the place came to be known as Hinglaj ever since. To this holy spot which was sanctified by the visit of Rama, Seeta and Lakshman, the great Sindhi Sufi poet-saint, Shah Abdul Latif (1689-1752), also retreated in the company of jogis and Udero Lal.
Dr U.T. Thakur (1909-1994), a distinguished writer on Sindhiat, writes in his doctoral thesis Sindhi culture that the status of the mother-goddess is closely connected with the worship of Shiva, but enjoys far greater reverence as the cult of his consort. The various forms in which the goddess appeared at different times and places are known by various names — Kali, Durga Chandi and Hinglaj — and represent entirely distinct personalities to the ordinary worshipper.
Historical accounts of events form the basis of culture but mythological accounts and folk literature give rise to civilizations. Sindh has a vast repertoire of mythological stories as well as folk literature which it shares with the great Indian civilization. There are numerous archaeological and religious sites scattered all over the province and need to be explored and listed for research and educative purposes.
The book is a labour of love. The writer has taken enormous trouble to collect the source material with care without distorting references or hurting the feelings of any sect. People from all walks of life should find this book pleasant reading.
Dharti maata (Mother Earth)
By Ishtiaque Ansari
Sindhica Academy, B-24, National Auto Plaza, Marston Road, Karachi-74400. Tel: 021-7737290
356pp. Rs150
|
|
|
